January through May

I apologize as I have fallen behind on the blog again.  I had several months where just getting my housework done each day without falling asleep or feeling sick was difficult.  Needless to say, blogging was the last thing on my priority list.  Now it is time to catch up.  Here are the highlights. 

January

Here are the kids before we went to the farm show at the

Coliseum.  They really enjoyed seeing all the big 

tractors and equipment. 

This is how Ben chills while he watches Saturday

morning cartoons.

Here is Ben before heading to school on pajama and

teddy bear day. 

February

 Although we didn't get a lot of snow this winter, the

kids and Bob were outside enjoying it every chance

they got.  Thank goodness Bob loves snow so much,

because if it was up to me the kids would never get

to go out in the snow.

Ben's school also celebrated Dad's Night in February.  Bob, Grandpa

Gaerte, and Grandpa Keefer all got to come.

We needed something fun to break up the monotonous

days in February, and a trip to Chuck E. Cheese did the trick.

March

 I can't believe it is even possible, but in

March we celebrated Ben's fifth birthday!

I honestly feel like I just brought him home

from the hospital.  He is such a wonderful

and smart boy.  I can't believe that he will

be heading to kindergarten in the fall.

Here are all of the cousins at Ben's birthday party.  Maggie

was there, but somehow got behind one of her big cousins and

didn't make it in the picture.   

 Ben received a fishing pole and tackle box from Grandpa and

Grandma Gaerte.  I love this picture of Dad showing

Ben how to use his fishing pole during the party.

 My big five year old. 

 My cuties!

 On Ben's actual birthday we went to Chain O' Lakes for

a picnic, some hiking, and some playground time.

 Aunt Jess and Uncle Tedd came to visit for a weekend

in March.  They brought their cute little dog Calvin with them

and both kids loved him.   

We ended March by celebrating Mom's birthday.  It was a fun

birthday party and ended with a music jam session.  Jess and Justin

played their instruments and Mom and even Grandpa and Grandma

Cormany joined in singing. 

April

 April brought spring break.  We spent most of it at home

because both kids were sick.  When they were finally feeling

better at the end of the week we tried to do several fun

things around home.  The kids wanted to ride the

carousel at the mall, and we also went to a local

pottery painting store and out to lunch. 

 Here they are at one of several Easter egg hunts we attended.

 Aren't the kids cute in their Easter outfits.

I apologize for the sideways picture, but I couldn't figure out how

to turn it.

 Grandma Keefer got all of the grandkids matching pajamas

for Easter.  Such cute cousins!

Bob had to travel to Michigan for business in April,

and we got to come along.  While he was in meetings

we went swimming and went to a fun museum.

 The kids have been very into dressing up lately.

They will go upstairs to play and come down dressed

in old Halloween costumes, princess gear, and sometimes

super hero capes. 

Ben and cousin Julia finished their second year of

Cubbies in Awana.

May

Ben is playing spring soccer and his favorite position is goalie. 

 We can't believe that preschool is already over.  

Graduation was adorable.  The kids sang songs and

received their diplomas and then served refreshments

to their family members.

Ben and Maggie had a special honor in May.  They were ring bearer and flower girl

in my cousin Josh's wedding.  They had so much fun and have been playing

wedding ever since.  Congratulations to Josh and Taya.